Last updated 10:31, Friday, 03 October 2008

TWO builders from Cockermouth have scooped a prestigious industry award for one of their buildings.

Maurice and Derrick Pennington, of John Pennington and Sons Ltd of Tweed Mill Lane, have won the award for having the best energy efficient building in the North of England, in the Master Builder of the Year Awards.

They revamped Mountain View cottage in Blindcrake to win the award.

This involved installing LED lighting and heat pumps which provides a high amount of heating, at low costs, from renewable energy sources.

The awards by the Federation of Master Builders recognise the best builders in Britain, and each entrant is nominated by a satisfied customer.

Derrick, 66, said: “The Government is pushing for homes like this and we feel these kinds of buildings are the way forward.

“It has taken around nine months to complete so has been quite a challenge, but all the work has been worth it.

“This is our 90th year as a business and so it is quite an achievement to be nominated for this award.”

Building architect Andy Prickett, 61, said: “I am very pleased to see the finished product.”

John Pennington and Sons beat off competition from hundreds of other firms to claim the Northern Counties Energy Efficiency prize and will now go through to a national final at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on November 13.

If Maurice and Derrick win they will drive away in the brand new light commercial vehicle of their choice provided by principal sponsor Nissan Motor (GB) Limited.

The customer who nominated them will receive a £3,000 holiday of their choice.

Derrick added: “We would like to thank our satisfied customers Rachel and Phil who nominated us.”